On Sunday 11 October 2026, Catholics across England and Wales are invited to mark Prisoners’ Sunday, a day of prayer, reflection, and action for all those affected by imprisonment. It is an opportunity for parishes and communities to remember in a special way those in prison, people with convictions, their children and families, prison staff, chaplains, and all who work to bring hope behind prison walls.
Prisoners’ Sunday challenges us to see beyond labels and recognise the God-given dignity of every person. In the Gospel, Jesus tells us, “I was in prison, and you came to me” (Matthew 25:36), calling each of us to stand in solidarity with those who are often forgotten or pushed to the margins of society. At a time when our prisons face profound challenges and countless families carry the hidden burden of imprisonment, this call is more urgent than ever.
This year’s Prisoners’ Sunday also marks the beginning of Prisons Week, the ecumenical week of prayer established in 1975 by Bishop Victor Guazzelli. Together with Christians across the country, we are invited to pray for everyone whose lives are touched by the criminal justice system and to witness to the Gospel’s message of mercy, justice, and reconciliation.
Through the work of Pact, the Catholic Church accompanies women and men in prison and supports the families who often share the pain of separation, hardship, and uncertainty. Inspired by the Catholic principles of human dignity, solidarity, and subsidiarity, Pact believes that no life is beyond redemption and that every person deserves the opportunity to make a fresh start.
We warmly invite your parish to celebrate Prisoners’ Sunday on 11 October 2026, or on another suitable date within your parish calendar, and to support Pact’s ministry through prayer and a second collection. Together, we can be signs of Christ’s compassion, bringing hope to those in prison and to the families who journey alongside them.
Prisons Week aims to encourage prayer and awareness of the needs of prisoners and their families, victims of offenders, prisons staff and all thosewho care, reflected in the Prisons Week Prayer offered throughout the week:
Lord, you offer freedom to all people.
We pray for those in prison.
Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist.
Support with your love prisoners and their families and friends,
prison staff and all who care.
Heal those who have been wounded by the activities
of others, especially the victims of crime.
Help us to forgive one another.
To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly together with Christ
in His strength and in His Spirit, now and every day. Amen.
To proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and build the Kingdom of God in Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Slough.
